Choirboys Gone Wild

As I was digging yesterday I came across a composition treatise signed "Bar_____ G___n". It's a pretty nasty piece of work, actually. The pamphlet is attributed to William Hayes (1708 - 1777), Professor of Music at Oxford (1741 onwards), who clearly had it in for Birmingham organist Barnabus Gunn (d. 1753).

Gunn's supposed 'method' involved the first description of aleatory composition by use of what Hayes calls the 'Spruzzarino', a pen which spurted ink indiscriminately on the page. Hayes also makes a number of comments on Gunn's seeming lack of understanding of the foundations of music.

"As the Spruzzarino will not make Flats, or Sharps, you are to place them, where you think they will look best: no matter as to Propriety; the more odd, the more new and unexpected."

"As to Quick and Slow Movements,  no particular Disposition is required:  either with respect to Measure or Modulation; the Technical Italian Words do all."

Claiming Authority

As an Early Musician, I have come across numerous philosophies (or pseudo-philosophies) relating to performance. I'm not saying there should be a consensus, but I am troubled that many tacitly assume their reasoning is generally-accepted since there is no real medium for collective discussion on the broader HIP movement. Of those who do make their thoughts known, the most visible opinions on early music performance usually make a bold claim. 'Authenticity', 'correctness', or whatever they call it, is often touted by performers and their agents.

Beginnings

Originally published Wolfgang's Tonic

Making the decision to study abroad isn’t something a musician should take lightly. In two and a half years studying at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis I have encountered a fair share of international students, each with their own story. While some left their homes to begin their studies here, others came later in life to finish them. Some kept one foot firmly in place while they stepped forward, others jumped with both feet. Some brought their baggage with them, others left it behind. Maybe I’m being a bit too monochromatic. My life is full of contradictions, but I suppose those are what make me who I am.

Subject and Deadline

It's funny how productive you can be, given the right framework. When I began this blog I wrote most often while I was commuting for lessons between Ottawa and Montreal. Writing while travelling has become so ingrained in me that I can't avoid thinking about it when I sit facing the back of another chair. Naturally, touring with EUBO allowed the experiences and time in transit to put my thoughts on to paper, so to speak. Those periods when I am not touring, however, often prove to be difficult for me. Except, it seems, when I'm approached to do it.

Just a few days ago I was asked to write a post for a new online publication and, after sitting down for a few hours, it has already been submitted. In the words of Leonard Bernstein, "to achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not enough time." In my case, to write something simple all I needed was to be given a subject and a deadline.